There are few better real-life illustrations of the old expression “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” than in the workplace, where individuals -- each with unique experiences, skills, and talents -- come together to drive common goals.

According to a study published in the European Journal of Business, Economics and Accountancy, effective teamwork is associated with a 70.5 percent increase in organizational productivity.​But merely holding positions within the same company or department is not enough to transform a group of individuals into a team. So, what does make a team? Trust, shared goals, and accountability are three vital ingredients to creating a high-functioning team -- and to accelerating your team’s productivity.​